The National Assembly leadership retreat being held in Naivasha has commenced.
The retreat is bringing together parliamentary and energy sector officials to discuss legislative priorities and foster collaboration.
Key attendees include National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, members of the Speaker’s Panel, and committee chairpersons and vice-chairpersons.
Also present are Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, Principal Secretary for the State Department of Energy, and Kenya Power CEO Joseph Siror.
The national retreat will be running from Monday to Wednesday under the theme, “Re-invigorating synergy in leadership for accelerated discharge of the mandate of the National Assembly'.
It builds on last year’s focus on enhancing cohesion.
It aims to map out a strategic direction for the Assembly’s remaining Third Session and the upcoming Fourth Session, set to run from November 5 to December 12, 2024.
In his address, Speaker Wetang’ula highlighted the importance of the retreat in aligning the leadership on legislative business priorities and preparing strategies to address challenges encountered in the Third Session.
“This retreat provides an opportunity for the House leadership to map out a strategic direction for managing legislative business," Wetangula stated.
"We aim to address key issues such as effective and timely oversight by the National Assembly, tackling procedural and structural challenges, and strengthening the House’s mandate," he said.
In response to growing public concerns around energy costs and power reliability, Wetang’ula emphasised the role of bipartisan cooperation and partnerships.
"We aim to address challenges such as unemployment, impacts of the tax regime, and revenue-raising measures that influence the business environment,” Wetangula said.
On his part, Ichung’wah acknowledged the progress made since the inauguration of the Thirteenth Parliament on September 8, 2022, underscoring the role of ongoing capacity-building initiatives in empowering members to fulfill their duties.
“Orientation, induction, and leadership forums have provided critical training on parliamentary procedures, law-making, and budget processes, allowing members to better serve the public,” Ichungwa said.
The retreat continues efforts to strengthen collaboration within the Assembly, advancing the legislative agenda and enhancing the Assembly's impact on national priorities.